Prayers for the loss of a baby, infant, or child

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Permalink Reply by Karen Murphy Corr on August 6, 2009 at 6:55pm

"Some people only dream of angels. I held one in my arms."

- www.griefwatch.com

Permalink Reply by Karen Murphy Corr on August 6, 2009 at 7:12pm

Prayer to St. Gerard, patron saint of mothers, expectant mothers, difficult pregnancies and births, fertility issues:

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, I call upon thee and seek thy aid. Thou who on earth didst always fulfill God's design, help me to do the Holy Will of God. Beseech the Master of Lie, from Whom all paternity proceedeth, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and their to the Kingdom of His glory in the world to come. Amen.

Permalink Reply by Karen Murphy Corr on August 6, 2009 at 7:17pm

From Mothers' Manual by A. Francis Coomes, S.J. (copyright 1973 and 1984 - later edition does exist but inexplicably they dropped his entire chapter on the merits of breastfeeding and how it is God's design for mother and baby):

Resignation (mother of an infant lost at birth):

Mary, my mother, obtain for me, I beg you, the grace of a holy resignation. Obtain for me the grace to understand this trial, which is so hard for me to bear. I know that God in his all-wise providence has seen that it is for the best. Yet it is hard for me to bear the grief I feel. I come to you, dear mother, comforter of the afflicted and constant aid of those who trust in you. I know that you can obtain for me the peace and resignation that I seek. I confide in you entirely in this my tribulation and sorrow. You know the meaning of a mother's love, and can understand the depth of my affliction. Be to me a tender and protecting mother. For now, dear Mother Mary, I feel more than ever the need of your motherly love and sweet consolation.

Mary sorrowing, Mother of all Christians. Pray for us!

Permalink Reply by Karen Murphy Corr on August 6, 2009 at 7:21pm

To an infant in heaven (petition):

My darling [mention the child's name], you are now in joy in the presence of our God; and in your spotless innocence, which he loves, you can speak to him with a voice that he will heed. You are still my little baby and will surely regard the prayers of your mother, who bore you. So with confidence, then, I speak to you. Intercede for me to obtain the favour that I here ask as a mother through her child who stands before the throne of God [here mention the petition]. But, if what I ask is not according to the wisdom and loving designs of almighty God for me and others, then ask him to grant what is best according to his good pleasure and to give me the wisdom and faith to conform my will to his.

- From Mothers' Manual by A. Francis Coomes, S.J. (copyright 1973 and 1984 - later edition does exist but inexplicably they dropped his entire chapter on the merits of breastfeeding and how it is God's design for mother and baby)

Permalink Reply by Karen Murphy Corr on August 6, 2009 at 7:24pm

To a child in heaven (resignation):

My darling, you have gone to heaven to be eternally happy, and are now in joy in the company of the holy innocents there. It was a thing hard for me to understand when you were taken from my arms, for parting with you has caused me grief that few can know. Yet in all my grief I am happy, very happy for you, because I know the joy that is yours. Your joy is now my joy, too, because I can always feel that I had a part in bringing it to you. Now that you are in heaven, I realize that you are mine in a truer sense that you could ever be on earth. I cannot lose you now through sin. While parting with you was hard, I would not wish you back because I know that you are happier than I could ever make you here with me. Help me, as you now can with your intercession, that I may be completely faithful to all my duties here on earth and merit to receive you again in eternal joys where there will be no more sorrow or parting from those we love.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, lover of little children, hear my prayer!

- From Mothers' Manual by A. Francis Coomes, S.J. (copyright 1973 and 1984 - later edition does exist but inexplicably they dropped his entire chapter on the merits of breastfeeding and how it is God's design for mother and baby)